Star Trek: Discovering the TV Series (Hardback)
The Original Series, The Animated Series and The Next Generation
Imprint: White Owl
Pages: 272
Illustrations: 32 colour illustrations
ISBN: 9781399035040
Published: 29th May 2024
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How well do you know Star Trek?
Lifelong science fiction fan, podcaster and author Tom Salinsky decided that the answer was “not well enough”, and so at the beginning of 2022, he embarked on a two-year mission to watch everything from the start of The Original Series to the end of Enterprise, at the rate of one episode per day. This book is the first part of that odyssey, covering the 79 television episodes which started it all, the animated series which briefly brought it back in the 1970s, the first six original movies and the full run of The Next Generation.
As well as having fun saluting the show’s triumphs, cringing at its lapses in taste, and admiring its willingness to swing for the fences, there’s lots of fascinating behind-the-scenes information here. Why were salt-cellars unchanged in the 23rd century? Was Gene Roddenberry really not allowed to show a woman’s belly button? How many characters get killed during the run of The Animated Series? Who actually wrote the script for Wrath of Khan? How did Paramount get Next Generation on the air when no network would touch it?
But you’ll also get the benefit of a complete overview of this landmark series, watching it unfold and familiar elements appear – often much later than you think. When’s the first mention of the Federation? Of Kirk’s time being the 23rd century? Of there being no money in the future? And some elements appear rather earlier than you might think – which episode is the first to feature a Holodeck?
Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual viewer, or just someone interested in the history of television, you’ll adore coming on this daily journey though the highs and lows of one of the most significant and much-loved media properties in the world.
This episode guidebook is a fresh, insightful take on the world of Star Trek, offering thoughtful commentary and plenty of fun facts without taking itself too seriously. It’s perfect for longtime fans or newcomers looking to explore the series in a light-hearted, engaging way. Whether you’re revisiting iconic moments or discovering them for the first time, this guide makes the journey through the Star Trek universe an enjoyable and accessible adventure.
NetGalley, Bradley Harmer-Barnes
This is so fun! I enjoyed the writer's voice in this and the set up of the episode reviews. I'd love to read through this while doing my own watch of the episodes. Great for the Trek fan in your life.
NetGalley, Jaymie Dieterle
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Robin Blankenship
I've been a fan of Star Trek for a while and always enjoy reading books about this series. It does a great job in what I was hoping for and thought Tom Salinsky wrote this perfectly. It was a strong feel that I was looking for and glad I read this.
This was an interesting book. I hadn’t seen the Animated Series, but had seen Star Trek in reruns. I remember being appalled at the idea of a remake but The Next Generation became my favorite series and I still watch it regularly. This book had tidbits of behind-the-scenes info that I enjoyed reading about. I didn’t always agree with the ratings the author provided, but even he admitted that if he watched again he might rate it differently based on his mood or other circumstances. The real interesting part was to read his take on the episodes. I enjoyed this book and recommend it.
NetGalley, Jeanne Schutts
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Kathryn McLeer
I've been a fan of Star Trek for a while and always enjoy reading books about this series. It does a great job in what I was hoping for and thought Tom Salinsky wrote this perfectly. It was a strong feel that I was looking for and glad I read this.
Author interview on Lights, Camera, Author! podcast. Listen to the episode here!
Lights, Camera, Author!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Chris Hallam
Tom Salinsky revisits every episode of four different versions of the legendary sci-fi series here, summarising each in an entertaining and witty way. Sometimes, other people interject with their comments too.
First up, is The Original Series. You know? The Sixties one with Kirk and Spock in? Some real classics, but also much which is less than stellar.
The Animated Series: Seventies cartoon version of the above.
The first films featuring the ageing original crew from the Seventies, Eighties and Nineties. Odd ones bad, even ones good!
The Next Generation series from the Eighties and Nineties featuring Picard and Data etc Probably the best of the start, once it eventually got going. Recommended for anyone into this stuff.
Beyond celebrating the series' achievements, acknowledging its missteps, and appreciating its boldness, Star Trek: Discovering the TV Series provides intriguing behind-the-scenes anecdotes. It also offers a comprehensive overview of the groundbreaking series, unveiling familiar elements at unexpected junctures.
Kuriositas
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As featured in Total Ntertainment. Read the article here.
Total Ntertainment
As featured in Sci Fi Pulse. Read the article here.
Sci Fi Pulse
As featured in 'Discover the universe of Star Trek in new book'.
ATV Today
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Whether you’re a die-hard Trekkie or a casual viewer, “Star Trek: Discovering the TV Series” promises an engaging read, inviting you to join Tom Salinsky on his daily journey through the highs and lows of this seminal series. It’s an exploration of how Star Trek has continued to engage, inspire, and provoke thought among its audience, remaining a pivotal part of science fiction history.
5thingstodotoday
Read the article here.
This book makes great reading for die-hard fans and casual Star Trek viewers alike, joining Tom on this daily journey through the highs and lows of one of the most significant and much-loved series in the world.
Entertainment Focus
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As featured in 'Exploring the Final Frontier'.
Women Talking
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As featured in '5 Star Trek facts to boldly know'.
Reader's Digest
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About Tom Salinsky
Tom Salinsky is a writer, podcaster and corporate coach living in London with his wife and too many cats. With Deborah Frances-White, he is the author of The Improv Handbook (Methuen Drama, 2008). With Robert Khan he is the author of five plays and many audio dramas for Big Finish. With his podcast colleagues John Dorney and Jessica Regan he is the author of Best Pick: A Journey Through Film History and the Academy Awards (Rowman & Littlefield, 2022). Star Trek: Discovering the TV Series is his first solo book.
"Star Trek" premieres on NBC-TV starring William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy
8th September 1966
"Star Trek" premieres on NBC-TV starring William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy
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